Complete Vietnam - 24 days in Vietnam

Today, your time is your own. Spend your day ambling through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter, stopping for coffee and cake, and watching the world go by.

If you're in the mood for a strange experience, you can drop in on the preserved body of former President Ho Chi Minh. A mausoleum was built for Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho, after his death. You can see his body entombed in a glass sarcophagus- a huge building fronted by a grand square. Surrounded by guards, you can file in, one by one, to take a look at ‘Uncle Ho’. Every once in a while, his body is flown to Russia for a touch up, to keep him looking good for his guests. Oddly, he has an orange tint. Vietnamese people consider it a great honour to visit his embalmed body, and you can see their emotional reactions as you file past.

You can finish off your day with a visit to the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre. This stands on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake and performances take place every evening. Puppetry is a national tradition in Vietnam, and the people are very proud of the artform.

This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel and taken to the coastal town of Halong (approx. 4hrs). The junk awaits you. Once onboard you'll start with a lunch caught fresh from the sea, and afterwards the boat will begin its superb cruise through the region. You'll anchor off the islands of Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Dog Island and Sail Island. You'll then visit Sung Sot Cave and take a refreshing swim by the beach at Titov. Fishing enthusiasts can attempt to catch their evening meal with a traditional rod and tackle. During dinner, you can mull over the impressions of the day and watch the sunset whilst enjoying a glass of Vietnamese wine. Life really doesn't get much better than this.

After spending the day in Hanoi, you’ll be collected from your hotel in late afternoon and taken to the train station. Here, you can stock up on snacks for the overnight journey into the north. The train is air-conditioned and the rhythm of the rails should lull you to sleep in your 4-bedded couchette. These are generally pretty comfortable, although tall people might find that their feet dangle over the edge of the sleeper couches. An Asian train journey is always an experience to be remembered.

The next morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai, and a minibus will be waiting to take you to Sapa- a 2½-hour road trip. On the way, you'll see paddy terraces climbing up the mountainsides like giant staircases. When you reach Sapa you'll check into your comfortable hotel. It is full of local charm and lies in the centre of town, with wonderful views across the rich, green valley.

After lunch you'll take a guided walk of about 5km to the village of Cat Cat, home to the striking Black H’mong people. The Black H'mong wear mainly black clothing, as their name suggests. The dye that they use tends to run and, as a result, their hands are also stained a little black. The adults chew betel nut- the seeds of the betel palm rolled up in a leaf. This often stains their teeth dark red. After visiting the village, you'll walk a little further to a cascading mountain waterfall before returning to Sapa for the night.

Today, you'll walk a little less (4km or so) to the small village of the Red Dzao people. On the way, you'll cross a couple of bamboo bridges over clear mountain streams. There will be plenty of magnificent views and you'll come across many women working in the fields. Though they may only speak a few words of English, they are incredibly warm and welcoming people, and will often invite you for tea in their homes. The houses are built mostly of wood and cane and there’s usually a fire in the middle of the room. The headgear worn by these people is mostly red. Initially, the villagers might seem rather shy, but if you give them a smile, you'll quickly be rewarded with beaming faces. Once you're back in Sapa, you can just relax or wander round the local market.

On Saturday evening from about 7pm, the Love Market takes place in Sapa. Young eligible men and women from the Dzao region meet here, dressed in finery, in the hope of snagging a partner. We can definitely recommend taking a look.

This morning, it's time to grab your backpack and say farewell to Sapa. You'll take a drive to Bac Ha, a small mountain village famous for its busy market. The market is an amazing trading hub, as people from many different tribes meet here to sell their goods. It is a feast for the senses, with traders dressed in a rainbow of colours displaying fresh vegetables, meats, and other products. It's also a perfect opportunity to pick up a few unique Vietnamese souvenirs made by local people.

After lightening your pockets at the market, you'll drive towards the Chinese border to catch a glimpse of the chaotic jumble of Chinese signs. From here, you can see the bridge and stretch of water that forms the actual boundary between the two countries. At the end of the afternoon, you'll be taken to Lao Cai where you'll have plenty of time to grab an evening meal before boarding the night train back to Hanoi.

You'll arrive back in Hanoi at around 6am. It's very easy to fix the transfer from the train to the hotel yourself- there will be plenty of taxis and tuk-tuks at the station. However, you may find that your room is not quite ready for you. If this is the case, you can leave your luggage in reception and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. You can usually get into your room from around mid-morning. However, if you wish your room to be ready as soon as you arrive, we can book a day room for you at an additional cost. Just let us know, and we'll make the arrangements.

There's nothing else planned for the rest of the day, so you can relax and take things at your own pace. Hanoi has plenty of temples, pagodas and museums, if you're looking for a culture fix. The Temple of Literature is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of the urban sprawl. You could also take a cycle rickshaw tour of the major temples, which usually costs no more than a couple of dollars. From your rickshaw seat, you can see the city pass by at very close quarters, taking in the atmosphere as you go.

This trip is ideal for anybody seeking a combination of scenery and activity. Your air-conditioned minibus will leave at 7.30am (approx. 1-2 hours). After the drive, you'll travel further by rowing boat on the Yen River until you reach Thien Tru harbour. The rest of the journey will be on foot, and it will take perhaps another 1½ hours (uphill) to reach the pagoda. The majestic Perfume Pagoda stands in a huge cave at the top of the mountain with commanding views of the landscape below. The altars are secluded among the amazing stalactites and stalagmites. The Pagoda is regarded as the centre of Buddhism in the north and it is impossible not to feel the spiritual atmosphere of the caves.

Every spring, a Perfume Pagoda Festival is held and thousands of pilgrims flock to the incredible caves. The festival lasts for three months. Many writers and poets have also been attracted to this region, drawn by both its spectacular landscape and its religious significance. They have written of the spiritual ambience that engulfs the Pagoda and the enlightening atmosphere of the festival. After walking back down the hillside, you will visit the Thien Tru Pagoda, dubbed 'The pagoda that leads to heaven'. Tired but happy, you'll hop on a boat to Ben Huc where the minibus will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.

Hué stands elegantly on the banks of the Song Huong, better known as the Perfume River. The river acquired this name from the flowers that used to grow along its banks, giving it an enchanting floral scent. Today, you'll take a boat cruise along the romantic river, with views of the impressive Thien Mu pagoda. This is one of the most famous, and most beautiful, pagodas in Vietnam. The seven storeys of the octagonal temple tower reach high into the sky, each storey representing a different incarnation of the Buddha.

After visiting this pagoda you'll be taken by car to the Imperial Citadel. Inside the Citadel you'll find the Forbidden Purple City, a unique and humbling place. The Royal Library and several royal apartments have been preserved or reconstructed, and the Nguyen rulers are commemorated in the form of large bronze urns, which stand in the courtyard. Part of the Citadel and almost the entire Forbidden Purple City was destroyed during the Vietnam War, as Hué was (very unfortunately) located on the border between North and South Vietnam. The Citadel has become a Cultural Heritage Site and has been reconstructed as authentically as possible.

You'll round off the morning with a visit to the raucous Dong Ba market. This market has been in existence since the start of the 20th century and there is a mind-boggling variety of local products and delicacies on sale. You can wander around wide-eyed and taste some local treats. Your cultural morning ends around noon and you'll have the afternoon to spend at your own leisure.

Today you'll arrive in Hoi An, a real highlight of your Vietnam trip. Situated in the central region, the historical town is a perfect place to break up the journey from north to south. It is popular with backpackers who are drawn here by the wide range of quirky restaurants and cafes, the inexpensive tailors, and the lovely nearby beach.

The intriguing ancient monuments in Hoi An are not so well known, but well worth a visit. In the old town, you can buy a ticket that gives you access to the famous Japanese Bridge, the old trading houses and small museums. The centre of town is easy to explore on foot and has barely changed since the 17th century when it was an important port and trading post. After the port silted up, the traders abandoned the town, but their influences still clearly remain.

There is plenty to do in and around Hoi An. You can get measured up for a suit, or pedal about town on a rented pushbike. You could also cycle past the paddy fields to the sandy beach. Choose a spot under a thatched parasol with a book and some freshly sliced pineapple. At sunset, the local people flock to the beach to cool off and play some football after a long day at work.

Today you are free to go as you please or we can offer you the option of visiting the historic temple complex of My Son. If you choose this option, you'll be collected this morning by a driver and your English-speaking guide for a riveting visit to My Son. Despite American bombardment, the temple complex at My Son has been well preserved. The area was the most important religious and intellectual centre in Vietnam until the 13th century and the temples are fascinating buildings to explore. Nowadays, My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage site, lying about 40km southwest of Hoi An in a wild, green valley.

In the afternoon you are free to wander lazily through the tiny streets of Hoi An. This little town is jam-packed with tailors and you can have a good made-to-measure suit made for under $40. The perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe! Although the tailors can put together a suit for you in no time, it's best to plan to have this done a few days before you travel to your next destination. This way any alterations can be made while you're in town.

This is essentially a free day, so you can stay in the old town or head for the beach for some sun-kissed relaxation. However, we can also offer you the opportunity to whip up some authentic Vietnamese dishes in the kitchen. If you choose this option you'll be collected from your hotel and head to the colourful Hoi An market to pick up the ingredients for your lesson. There are many different types of vegetables and fruits to appeal to your senses. This is the best possible way to get to know local Vietnamese cuisine and to become acquainted with the friendly vendors at the market. Armed with your purchases, you'll head for the cookery school where you’ll hear all about typical Vietnamese dishes. Then, you will have a go at preparing your own dishes before gobbling them straight down afterwards.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. You'll spend all three nights in Hoi An in comfortable, centrally located hotel in the historic centre of town. Therefore you won't have to worry about taxi cabs or rickshaws to get home, you can simply walk back to your hotel. Walking through the narrow, lively streets and popping into a few of the small souvenir shops is quite a fun way to spend time. The hotel also has a very pleasant swimming pool and breakfast is included during your stay.
 

Today, you' ll leave Hoi An, probably with a whole new wardrobe. You'll take a quick domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. We'll book your flight, but you'll organise your own taxis or rickshaws to and from the airports. This is extremely easy to do. Once you've settled in at your comfortable hotel, you can explore the city at your own pace. You'll stay in a luxury room with air-conditioning for a leisurely 3 nights. The hotel is just around the corner from Tham Street, the centre of the bustling backpackers in Saigon. The area is literally crammed with dozens of cosy local restaurants and souvenir shops.

If you wish, you can simply recover from your journey by watching the world go by from pavement cafes. However, if you are feeling full of get-up-and-go, you can visit some places of interest. We can recommend the Reunification Palace and the hard-hitting American War Museum. Alternatively, hire a cycle rickshaw for a whirlwind tour of the city's sights.

Today you'll head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 30km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll travel by minibus, passing peaceful paddy fields and watching delta life, you'll also have a chance to see an unusual floating temple.

The Viet Cong dug the haunting network of the Cu Chi tunnels during the Vietnam War to hide from American forces. The underground labyrinth covers an incredible 250km and enabled the Vietcong to carry out covert attacks. They are very narrow, deep, and unbelievably dark, making them hugely claustrophobic. They include sleeping quarters, kitchens, ammunition stores, weapon factories, and command centres.


 

You can climb into the tunnels and experience the eerie atmosphere first hand. Many have been enlarged especially for tourists, making them far less hair-raising for visitors. However, if you're feeling brave, you can also try the originals. It's a unique, if creepy, experience. The guide will explain the history and the precise uses of the tunnels. In the adjoining Cu Chi Museum, you can also see a video with vintage American film material.

You'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City at about 2pm, giving you plenty of time to explore more of the city or people-watch from a pavement cafe. Try a cocktail at sunset on the roof of the Rex.

The next two days are dedicated to the dazzling Mekong Delta. The Mekong River, with its vast fertile delta, is the backbone of the economy in the south. It produces one of Vietnam's most important exports- rice. At 7am, the minibus will arrive to take you in the direction of Cai Be. From here, you'll sail lazily around the floating markets on a beautiful, traditional boat. Vendors will offer their wares from their boats jammed with produce, dangling their goods in the air from a long pole. You'll also small flotillas drifting along, as traders link up to swap goods amongst themselves.

You'll sail through narrow waterways observing local life on the riverbank. You'll quickly understand why the people of the south are renowned for their friendliness, as they smile and wave from their houses when you pass by. You can also cycle through one of the villages on a river island, catching an even closer glimpse of daily life. The boat will then take you to a simple but charming hotel for the night. It lies in Cantho on the banks of the Mekong, where you can relax in the evening with a cool drink and watch the delta sunset.

Today, the boat will take you to the floating market of Cai Rang. This is the largest, most important, and probably the noisiest floating market in the Mekong Delta. In the village on the banks of the river, you'll drop in on a factory where rice is ‘puffed’ and transformed into Vietnamese rice cakes. Guests are often invited to tea with the locals, who will teach you how to drink tea according to their customs. You will also visit a small rice noodle factory to watch the workers make, quite literally, oodles of noodles. After this, you'll take the comfortable air-conditioned minibus back to Ho Chi Minh, arriving around 6.30pm.